When does Cockspur Hawthorn bloom?

Cockspur Hawthorn typically flowers in March, April, and May, producing small clusters of white blossoms before its fruit develops later in the season.

What pollinators are attracted to Cockspur Hawthorn?

Bees and butterflies commonly visit the flowers of Cockspur Hawthorn for nectar and pollen.

How much water does Cockspur Hawthorn need?

Once established, this tree tolerates low water and dry spells well, though it also handles average garden moisture without trouble.

What growing conditions suit Cockspur Hawthorn best?

It performs best in full sun but adapts to part sun or light part shade, and it tolerates a range of soil types found across its typical growing regions.

Does Cockspur Hawthorn have thorns?

Yes, it is known for long, sharp thorns along its branches, which is a defining feature of this hawthorn species and useful for hedgerow or barrier plantings.

Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.

Is Cockspur Hawthorn HOA-friendly?

Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cockspur Hawthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus crus-galli

Last reviewed: October 2026

Cockspur Hawthorn is a thorny deciduous tree that blooms with white flowers from March through May. It grows best in full sun and tolerates low water once established.

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

240"–360" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Cockspur Hawthorn.

Try it with your yard

Cockspur Hawthorn is a native Texas tree that forms a broad, rounded canopy with distinctive horizontal branching. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and offers beautiful orange-red fall color before dropping its leaves.

Growing Cockspur Hawthorn

Grow Cockspur Hawthorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Best suited for backyard or with special approval

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the persistent red berries provide food for birds through winter. This tree supports native wildlife while adding seasonal interest to the landscape.

Common questions

When does Cockspur Hawthorn bloom?: Cockspur Hawthorn typically flowers in March, April, and May, producing small clusters of white blossoms before its fruit develops later in the season.
What pollinators are attracted to Cockspur Hawthorn?: Bees and butterflies commonly visit the flowers of Cockspur Hawthorn for nectar and pollen.
How much water does Cockspur Hawthorn need?: Once established, this tree tolerates low water and dry spells well, though it also handles average garden moisture without trouble.
What growing conditions suit Cockspur Hawthorn best?: It performs best in full sun but adapts to part sun or light part shade, and it tolerates a range of soil types found across its typical growing regions.
Does Cockspur Hawthorn have thorns?: Yes, it is known for long, sharp thorns along its branches, which is a defining feature of this hawthorn species and useful for hedgerow or barrier plantings.
Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to dogs?: Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to cats?: Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Is Cockspur Hawthorn HOA-friendly?: Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Cockspur Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app